Talk CNY
Welcome to Talk CNY by CenterState, presented by NBT Bank. Through this series, discover the latest news and information on topics ranging from community and workforce development, to policy and innovation. Each month features leaders from across Central New York to shine a spotlight on the growth and opportunities happening in the region. In under 15 minutes, you’ll get an inside look at the people, projects and planning moving Central New York forward, and be connected to resources you need to support your business’ growth. CenterState CEO is Central New York’s leading business leadership and economic development organization, committed to creating a region where businesses thrive, and all people prosper.
Episodes
On this Talk CNY quarterly check, we welcome back CenterState CEO President and CEO Rob Simpson. Rob joins us for this episode to share lessons learned during his sabbatical, his renewed goals now that he’s back in the office and what he’s excited about in the final quarter of 2025.
You can hear more on the power of reset from Rob and Syracuse Women’s Basketball Head Coach Felisha Legette-Jack at CenterState CEO’s Economic Champions...
In this episode of Quarterly Market Insights, a special series part of CenterState CEO’s Talk CNY podcast, presented by NBT Bank, the conversation explores the shifting dynamics of the U.S. economy and their implications for businesses and consumers.
NBT Bank’s Chief Economist and Chief Investment Officer Ken Entenmann breaks down market trends, policy shifts and local opportunities. This episode offers practical insights to help y...
The Regional Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics or STEAM School welcomed its first class at the start of this school year. The new school is the first of its kind in the Central New York region and brings the historic Central Tech building back to life in downtown Syracuse.
It’s a major accomplishment, bringing together numerous partners across private, public and nonprofit sectors, to create a school that will h...
Talk CNY Miniseries: Leadership Lessons - Champion’s Mindset: Inspiring Lessons from SU’s Coach Jack
In this episode of Talk CNY: Leadership Lessons, presented by NBT Bank, we sit down with Felisha Legette-Jack, Head Coach of Syracuse University’s Women’s Basketball Team. In just three seasons, Coach Jack has turned the Orange into one of the ACC’s top contenders, earning ACC Coach of the Year in 2024—the first Syracuse head coach, men’s or women’s, to ever receive that honor.
Beyond the wins, Coach Jack shares how her faith, fami...
We are so close to opening the doors to CenterState’s INSPYRE Innovation Hub. This 90,000-square-foot facility will be the largest innovation hub of its kind in New York state and one of the top five largest in the entire country.
The resources and programs at INSPYRE are designed with founders in mind. Offerings range from state-of-the-art work spaces and a new maker space to funded accelerator programs, mentorship opportunities a...
It’s been just over a year since the New York SMART I-Corridor was named a federally funded Tech Hub. It’s the only Tech Hub focused on semiconductors in the country to receive federal dollars. When the award was first announced, we spoke with leaders from the convening organizations back when the Tech Hub was first announced to learn about its goals in creating a global semiconductor hub in upstate New York.
Now on this episode of ...
One of the ways that CenterState CEO is working towards its goal of creating a region where businesses thrive and all people can prosper is by supporting programs that help create greater access to in-demand careers in the community. The Bridge to Manufacturing Careers program is one such initiative. Thanks to the many community partners that have helped to make it possible, more than a dozen people are now pursuing a degree at Ono...
When Governor Kathy Hochul charged CenterState CEO with leading the One Network for Regional Advanced Manufacturing Partnerships or ON-RAMP Syracuse planning process, one of the first things the team knew to do was look for an innovative, dedicated and experienced professional to lead this new organization.
They found her right here in Central New York. After conducting a national search, CenterState CEO appointed Dr. Carlene Lacey...
This episode of Talk CNY, presented by NBT Bank, is a bit different. We’re passing the host mic to the CenterState CEO corporate leadership team for this episode, recorded at the Redhouse Arts Center in downtown Syracuse.
With CenterState CEO President Rob Simpson on sabbatical, the Corporate Leadership Team is taking charge of all the projects this organization currently has underway, from the INSPYRE innovation hub and new ON-RAM...
In this episode of Talk CNY, presented by NBT Bank, host Katie Zilcosky sits down with David Kavney, President of Central New York and Pennsylvania at NBT Bank. From supporting major economic developments to helping CNY leaders tackle the housing crisis, Kavney shares how NBT Bank is strategically aligning its services to drive innovation and regional impact.
Tune in to this episode to learn more about NBT Bank’s expansion into new...
In this episode of Quarterly Market Insights, a special series part of the CenterState CEO’s Talk CNYpodcast, presented by NBT Bank, the conversation dives deep into the economic forces shaping Central New York and beyond in the second quarter of 2025.
NBT Bank’s Chief Economist and Chief Investment Officer Ken Entenmann breaks down the market’s record highs, analyzes the easing of geopolitical tensions, and explores how potential t...
From rising job numbers and wage growth to transformative capital investments by small business owners and major employers, this episode of Talk CNY explores why Central New York is poised for economic growth — more in the next three years than the last 16 in terms of GDP growth.
In this episode of Talk CNY, presented by NBT Bank, host Katie Zilcosky is joined by Jess Abbott, Vice President of Member Engagement, and Jared Shepard, ...
In this episode of Talk CNY: Leadership Lessons, presented by NBT Bank, Todd Muscatello, the Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing and Growth Officer at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, gets candid about a defining moment in his career.
Todd began his journey with Excellus BlueCross BlueShield in 2003. A year after being on the job, he made a strategic move that propelled him forward but also ushered in some of the toughest yet m...
It’s estimated that Onondaga County will need to build around 2,500 new units of housing per year in order to meet expected growth demands. It’s averaged just about half of that in recent years.
Housing is a vital piece of the puzzle as we work to grow sustainably and equitably. It will require creative solutions and dedication from the entire community to create a more accessible and affordable housing market.
On this episode of...
Every dollar spent at a small business gets returned to the local economy one and half times, so it’s not a surprise that small businesses are sometimes called the life-blood of the local economy. Here at CenterState CEO, we are lucky to support and work alongside many of the entrepreneurs who are making our neighborhoods more vibrant and helping our region grow.
On this episode of Talk CNY presented by NBT Bank, we’re excited to i...
It’s National Small Business Week!
More than 45% of U.S. employees work at small businesses according to the Small Business Administration, making them a vital part of our national and local economy. With as important as they are, it’s imperative to recognize their impact and support their growth.
CenterState CEO offers an array of supports and services to try and help small business owners realize their goals and prosper in the comm...
In this special anniversary episode of Talk CNY, presented by NBT Bank, host Katie Zilcosky sits down with CenterState CEO President Rob Simpson to reflect on the organization’s 15-year journey. He recounts the state of Central New York’s economic development landscape in the early 2000s and how the creation of CenterState CEO in 2010 from its two predecessor organizations aimed to unify and strengthen efforts to drive sustainable ...
Talk CNY - Quarterly Market Insights presented by NBT Bank features Ken Entenmann, Senior Vice President, Chief Investment Officer and Chief Economist for NBT Bank.
Ken joins us to share what's happening in the markets and how it impacts you.
Kenneth J. Entenmann is Senior Vice President, Chief Investment Officer & Chief Economist at NBT Wealth Management. Ken has over 3 decades of investment experience. Prior to joining NBT...
In this episode of Talk CNY: Leadership Lessons, presented by NBT Bank, serial entrepreneur Jeff Knauss shares the personal and professional philosophies that have shaped his dynamic career. As an angel investor, 4x Inc. 5000 founder and the CEO of Arcovo AI and Opin, Jeff reflects on what drives his business decisions and his passion for building things from the ground up and bringing them to life in ways that provide real value.
B...
This episode will start with a trivia question. What do the dental chair, the tool you use to measure a person’s shoe size and the 24 second shot clock all have in common?
They were all invented in Central New York.
This region has a rich history of inventing, creating, and bringing new ideas to life. As we embark on this new chapter of growth in our community, we want to grow with respect to our roots. That’s why CenterState CEO’s...
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